*A fine circular walk to the Krkonoše peak Přední Žalý (1019m) starting in Vrchlabí: 12 km to 20 km*

• Vrchlabí is often called the gateway to the Krkonoše and many travelers pass through it on their way to the popular winter (and summer) sports areas in the country’s highest mountain range. Most do not stop for a look around the town, which is a shame as Vrchlabí has some interesting historic buildings, most notably the Renaissance chateau, with its attractive English park area.
• An easy walk around town is described here, which can easily be combined with the trip on this page, which visits Vrchlabí’s closest 1000m peak, Přední Žalý (1019m), in an attractive circular route which starts with a section along the river Labe. The peak is topped with a stone observation tower built in 1892 by Jan Harrach, the Czech politician who brought skiing for the first time to the Krkonoše mountains.
• The viewing tower (which has an entrance fee) is a short walk from the top of the Herlíkovice chairlift, which operates also in the summer season. Taking the lift saves 6 km and 400m of ascent. However, the walking route to the summit, which winds slowly though the forest, is definitely worthwhile for a full mountain tour.
• If travelling by train or bus, it is a 1 km walk from the train/bus station on a path close to the Labe river to get to the center of town. If driving, the car park behind the monastery is large, free and the most convenient option for this walk. From the town center it is 5 km walk, partly beside the Labe river, to reach the bottom of the chairlift.
• The path back to Vrchlabí from Přední Žalý, which descends the southern flank of the mountain, is delightful. It offers excellent views over towards the Bohemian plain and passes through several meadows filled (in summer) with wild flowers.
• Halfway down the mountain, the trail passes one of the region’s nicest mountain restaurants, Kněžická chalupa (which is only open seasonally). It is definitely worth visiting – but can get busy!
• Back in Vrchlabí, for some additional refreshment, consider a visit to one of the town’s oldest buildings, the Dům se sedmi štíty, a 16th century half-timbered house which is now a popular café serving famous pancakes (map point 9). Take the time while in the town at least to visit the chateau and park area, either before or after the ascent.
• The full route, assuming a start at the bus station is just over 19 km long, with 630m of height to ascend/descend. This can be extended to above 20 km if touring the town more extensively, either before or after the Přední Žalý walk. Overall, it is not a difficult mountain walk and none of the slopes are particularly steep. The ascent route can, however, be wet in places. Starting from the monastery car park saves 2 km and as mentioned above, taking the chairlift to the summit saves a further 6 km.
• In addition to the recommended stops mentioned above, there is a popular mountain hut next to the summit tower, which also serves refreshments.

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

• Starting at the bus station, join the RED trail heading towards Vrchlabí kostel
• Remain on the RED trail, which broadly follows the course of the Labe river, for 5.9 km to reach the Herlíkovice – bus junction
• From the junction, if planning on taking the chairlift, the bottom station is 500m walk along the GREEN trail
• If walking to the summit, at Herlíkovice – bus junction, join the YELLOW trail heading towards Pod Zadním Žalým junction, which is reached in 3.5 km
• At the Pod Zadním Žalým junction, turn left onto the RED trail heading towards Přední Žalý
• The Žalý – rozhl junction is reached in 1.9 km. It is 200m from there to the viewing tower. Return back to Žalý – rozhl after visiting the tower
• For the descent, at Žalý – rozhl join the YELLOW trail which leads directly back to Vrchlabí center in around 7 km (the Kněžická chalupa restaurant is reached after 3.2 km)